Celebration Week at Q3

A school in Great Barr has got back to business this week with a change of focus away from traditional schooling, preparing youngsters for the world of work.

Q3 Academy, formerly known as Dartmouth High School, in Wilderness Lane opened its doors to children on Tuesday and it was a world away from the place they left six weeks ago.

Gone are the black blazers, school badge and red ties and in come navy pinstripe suits, devoid of any logo and grey ties .

There are no teachers at the new design and enterprise academy.   Instead they are now known as ‘learning consultants'.
Even the headteacher no longer exists.   She will be known as the ‘chief executive' but on a dual basis, ‘to help parents adjust' you can still call her the principal.

The new takeover has been well received according to the ‘new' chief exec.
"It has been absolutely tremendous.  It has been a fantastic success," said Mrs Caroline Badyal the principal at the academy.   "All the students have settled well and look great in there new business suits."

The students can no longer blame others for what they have to wear, as they had input in the school's new dress code.
"We wanted to design a uniform that was different," Mrs Badyal said.   "Tesco sent a designer along but the students came up with the idea of pinstripe suits.   It has had an amazing impact."

The new chief executive said the changes were about giving the youngsters the choice.   They did not want a sewn in school badge, so instead they have a business like pin badge with the Q3 logo.

"I think students come to the classroom and are ready to work right away," the ‘former' headteacher said.   "They can now have aspirations for their future."

Dressed to impress the students will now work in five different ‘companies' instead of the old style faculties. The English department is gone.   Instead it forms part of the wider communications company, which includes languages and media.

As well as alterations to the look and language of the former high school, it is also all change with the infrastructure as well.

The old style 60s buildings will remain for a little over a year but building work began last month on a new state of the art complex.

The aim of the whole project is to encourage students to enjoy learning.   "It is a two way process," Mrs Badyal said. "You don't want teachers just talking at students. Children are part of this learning process."

The ultimate aim is to get the youngsters enthused about schooling.   "We want the children to love coming to the academy," the principal said.   The early signs are the changes are doing just that.

"Courtesy of the Great Barr Observer September 5th 2008"  

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